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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Portrait of the Week - Elizabeth Goldthwait Cummings Bacon

Dearest Friends,
I'd like to introduce you to our sitter of the week, Elizabeth Goldthwait Cummings Bacon. This portrait, completed by Copley in 1769 is in the Brooklyn Museum. She was the daughter of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Goldthwait who also sat for Mr Copley and we'll be featuring her mother's portrait in a future blog. She was 37 when she sat for this painting.

Elizabeth Goldthwait Cummings Bacon by Copley from the Brooklyn Museum

Elizabeth was married twice, both times to ministers. Her marriage to Revered Bacon was announced in the Boston News Letter on November 11, 1771

She is wearing the heart-shaped cap seen in the late 1760's / early seventies. Her handkerchief is exquisite - and once again, we see this lovely sheerness that barely hides her decolletage. And that lace trim!!!! Is it me or does the neckline of her gown seem really low?

She has about her neck a terrific multi-strand seed pearl necklace, tied in the back with a bow, it's so big it covers most of her neck. Anyone see a pattern here with the gowns we are seeing? Stomacher front, this one silk satin, with sleeve ruffles and appears, little other ornamentation.

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What is this all about?

We are chronicling the preparation for an event at Minute Man National Park during the summer of 2012 - A Muster Day 1773.

There are 10 pages which will follow the process and progress of getting ready by 10+ individuals, ranging from newcomers to experienced seamstresses. A wide range of ages from 2 to 50+ will be represented as well as an assortment of social strata.